Stunning their more illustrious opponents with two goals in the opening seven minutes, West Ham clung on for victory to kickstart a superb opening few months to a campaign that had Sam Allardyce dreaming of Europe.

Kevin Nolan of West Ham United shoots as he is closed down by Martin Skrtel

11. Swansea 0 Chelsea 5

For every bit that Swansea were appalling, Chelsea were scintillating with Jose Mourinho describing this win as the "perfect game" on a weekend that title rivals Manchester City lost further ground.

Chelsea striker Diego Costa rounds Lukasz Fabianski to score his side's third goal in their win over Swansea City at the Liberty Stadium. Photo: GEOFF CADDICK/AFP/Getty Images

10. Burnley 2 Crystal Palace 3

New manager Alan Pardew showed his magic touch as Crystal Palace fought back from two goals down with Chris Gayle inspiring a late victory for the visitors.

Burnley's Ashley Barnes and Joel Ward of Crystal Palace battle for the ball at Turf Moor

9. QPR 2 Manchester City 2

Spicy tackles, torrential rain, a bit of controversy and ultimately the brilliance of Sergio Aguero, who equalised twice. One of those matches that grabbed you by the throat right at the outset, and never let go.

Bobby Zamora of QPR celebrates as Martin Demichelis of Manchester City (not pictured) scores an own goal for QPR's second goal. Photo credit: Scott Heavey/Getty Images

8. Tottenham 2 Arsenal 1

Goals number 21 and 22 for the season meant Harry Kane cemented his name in north-London derby history by securing victory in one of the most entertaining matches between the bitter rivals in recent seasons.

The final game of the hectic Christmas and New Year schedule served up a feast of goals as Burnley defied the loss of three players to injury before half time to repeatedly come from behind against a Newcastle side which had just seen Alan Pardew leave for Crystal Palace. Nobody could say with any degree of certainty that Sean Dyche's side were Championship bound.

George Boyd, top, celebrates his goal for Burnley against Newcastle

6. Manchester City 1 Chelsea 1

Frank Lampard's late equaliser against his former club stole the headlines, but City versus Chelsea was a pulsating clash between the two best teams in the Premier League and early proof that this season would be a two-horse title race.

Manchester City's Frank Lampard with a muted celebration after scoring his side's first goal during the Barclays Premier League match at the Etihad Stadium, Manchester. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Sunday September 21, 2014. See PA story SOCCER Man City. Photo credit should read: Dave Thompson/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. Maximum 45 images during a match. No video emulation or promotion as 'live'. No use in games, competitions, merchandise, betting or single club/player services. No use with unofficial audio, video, data, fixtures or club/league

5. Liverpool 3 Tottenham 2

It was flawed defensively, but that was part of the entertainment. The speed of movement and attacking intent made for a thrilling spectacle, with a late winner adding to the drama.

Mario Balotelli didn't celebrate his first Premier League goal for Liverpool

4. Southampton 8 Sunderland 0

An onslaught that began with one of the most spectacular own-goals in Premier League history also meant Southampton recorded their biggest victory in 93 years and left Graziano Pellè (who scored twice) admitting he felt sorry for their opponents.

It wasn't only the sheer number of goals scored, it was Everton coming back from 0-2 down inside three minutes, both sides trading five goals in a manic 10-minute second-half period and Diego Costa giving a masterclass in forward play.

Diego Costa of Chelsea celebrates scoring his team's sixth goal

2. Tottenham 5 Chelsea 3

Two words: Harry and Kane. We knew he was good but few people expected the young striker to score two and create two others to make Spurs the first team to score four or more goals in a league game against Jose Mourinho's Chelsea.

Harry Kane scored another two goals for Tottenham in their 5-3 victory over league leaders Chelsea at White Hart Lane.

1. Leicester City 5 Manchester United 3

This was an afternoon which bordered on surreal. United were exhilarating going forward and 3-1 up before a spectacular collapse, conceding four goals in 21 minutes to complete a stunning victory for Nigel Pearson's side.

Leonardo Ulloa celebrates scoring for Leicester against Manchester United